What to Look For When Buying a 7 Series | E38 Buyers Guide 

We certainly love ours!

Agreed! It's a great feeling when people notice your E38 eh, I had a few people on our road trip this past weekend checking it out, felt great.

Well dude you need to come to the Baltics people love e38 in here. :) :D

I think the latest BMW that's almost as stunning would have to be the F06 Gran Coupe

Garret every person that I talk to about my E38 express the very same sentiment that you just did.

Garrett Sheh tru

Can't go wrong with either! We've been looking at some of the 230+ inch Caddy's recently online, would love to own one!

Thank you! We put a lot of work and effort into making the best quality content we can. We're glad you like it!

Thanks, we appreciate that! We really wanted to make sure we got everything we could into this video to make it one of the most comprehensive guides for those looking at buying an E38.

Thanks! There's a huge E38 community out there, that's for sure. Lots of great people working hard to keep E38s on the road.

Thanks! We really wanted to make sure this video was accurate, informative, and enjoyable for people. It's hard to do videos like this since the best knowledge comes when you own the vehicle, so we wanted to make sure we did the E38 justice.

+gibbssteve01 glad you liked it, thanks! We're really proud of how this one turned out.

Still trying to find one to review! The only ones I see around here are pretty beaten up. When we do the full tour and review for the 97 740i we featured in this video we'll have a quick segment about the differences the LWB brings.

We're glad you think so, thanks!

Glad to hear it! 14 cars, thats awesome! That's always been a dream of mine, to have a fleet of different cars. Right now I don't have the garage or driveway space for even half of that, but maybe one day!

We currently are running out of space for ours. Keep up the good work!

Will do!

Glad you like them, thanks for watching!

Glad you liked it, thanks for subscribing!

Very nice! I don't think we've had the pleasure of seeing that colour on the road before, but sounds like you've got something great. Hope you enjoy it!

Very nice! We like the face-lifted E60s, couldn't ever get used to the window switches mounted vertically on the door cards.

Very nice!

Glad that the videos have helped, that's what we've hoped from the get-go. There's certainly work that needs to go into these, and parts will fail no matter what, but we hope by covering the car as best we can it will help others buy and maintain them.

Hopefully you can get another one some day! We've heard from a lot of E38 enthusiasts over the years who've picked up cars, still a very healthy market for them.

Very nice! There are some low mileage examples out there, that’s awesome that you found one. Hope it treats you well!

Lol what

We appreciate that, thanks!

You're lucky to even see other E38s! I can't remember the last time I saw another one on the road during my travels.

Very true

Hopefully it works out for you!

That's great, congrats! In our opinion the 2001 is the best year to get, mostly from a style perspective. Hope it treats you well!

Perpetual Radio Networks Thanks, your videos gave me insight into some of the little quirks and options which was helpful and as you've mentioned in your videos, pretty rare on youtube for E38s.

We want to keep producing relevant videos on the E38, hopefully we’ll be able to as the channel grows and the weather here improves.

Same for us, we absolutely love the E38!

Congrats! We’re always happy to that people are still interested in these cars.

I remember back when mine felt that way, hope yours continues to serve you well! 100k miles is pretty young for one of these, lots of life left in it.

Thanks for watching! I do feel like sometimes I talk quick, we're working on making the voice overs better!

+Daniel Lovelock I figured there'd be a bit of that happen, I know there were two parts I couldn't necessarily sync the images with the voice over, the two still images of the torn down engine, then right after with the pre-vanos video of the 740i we filmed as I talked about the TU model.

Never mind. Good video and great information thanks again!

We agree!

Glad to hear it! Can't beat the feel of one.

@@PRNTestDrive it’s a one of a kind ride, best 3k ever spent

Getting one tomorrow!!

Glad to hear it! We hear often about these older BMW's going into limp home mode only to have a really simple problem that can be fixed with a few parts. We're really looking forward to get the chance to fix up ours, it's been something we've been saying for a year and a half now. Definitely hold onto yours now that you've made it mint again!

Glad to hear it! We'd love to feature the E32 one day.

That's what I originally did with mine too, the unit in the trunk had failed.

Thanks! It's our favourite one so far, really proud of the way it came out.

Glad to hear it, hold onto it if you can!

Me venden el 1998 740i en 13k

@@jamiearellano8903 Hola. I don’t quite understand what you mean.

At 150k , both my 7 (740 and 728) series packed up electronicly , monitor problems led to major issues and no body could fix the bugs . could not rely on the car to stay locked and regulaly opened itself up late at night . Scrapped both and bought a series 3 Jaguar XJ12 from 1991 and if you think the BMW is fabulous , try a series 3 Jag or Daimler different world !!

the kidney grills aswell

I kinda like the chrome on the long wheelbase. Maybe if my paint was in better condition I'd consider it, but if you see the car up close you see a lot of imperfections that the chrome helps to distract from.

Thanks! We love making them too!

Very nice! Let us know when you end up getting it!

Very nice, hold onto it if you can! I'd be really interested to try out one of the 6 cyl E38s, especially one of the diesels.

Sure, the engine is indestructible in the 728i, but almost as certainly the tranny is NOT - besides being much less refined than on the 6-gear manual trannies for the V8 engines.

Hopefully it'll help you find the right E38! We still think these are incredible machines.

They definitely aren't cheap cars to maintain, especially if you want everything to be running right. We're not sure what we're going to end up doing with ours, it's been sitting for a few months now.

No doubt, this is my exact problem. I am not rich and have a family and need a car that does not take away from my two kids. I love this car, but cannot justify owning this legend today. If I ever become very wealthy I WILL make this vehicle my first purchase.

Good idea! We definitely miss driving ours, but the cost right now is too much for us to be able to get it working.

The best looking 7-series IMO-but waaaaaay too many potential headaches for my taste. I bought a Lexus instead. Not nearly as fun (or cool!) but dead reliable and a low cost of ownership

Very nice, congrats! Hopefully it runs well for you and you get to enjoy lots of road trips with it!

Anything outside of the specific engine related issues we discussed, yes. I'd check into the 730i engine to see if there's anything, but I'm sure they're either the same or slightly less problematic than the V8/V12. Good luck!

If we can find a clean example or two to feature we'll make it happen!

Enjoy it!

@@PRNTestDrive ,I replaced the top battery ,but I’m not getting start,just power?

Oh boy, not great fuel economy that's for sure! But it sounds like you got a really good deal on it. The V12s seem to be going up in price as fewer of them come up for sale now. Enjoy it!

Yes they are!

Some E38 enthusiasts also feel that that 4.0L V8 is the most reliable motor you can get for this generation.

I am stuck with a hard decision, I have the chance to purchase a 4.0 V8 iL 1996 (40,000 miles), a 4.4 V8 iL 1998 (112,000 miles) and a 5.4 V12 iL 1999 (99,000 miles)

Made my decision, The 4.0 iL 1996, this is the model previous to the ones on this video and only 12,000 were ever produced. I will upload a video of it when I have it.

That's a great point, I bought mine more or less sight unseen and it was supposed to have been a 'one owner' car, with no service history.

It's on our list! We'd love to find one but we haven't had any luck so far.

PRN Thanks for the reply! Any video you make is appreciated.

We try our best to make each video compelling and informative!

PRN Thanks man! May I ask a question, I want to buy a e32 730i but I'm not sure whether to buy the M30b30 (straight 6 cylinder) or the M60b30 (V8). I know the M60 is better in almost every aspect but the M30 looks to be way easier and simpler to maintain and fix (one timing chain, distributor, less electronics..etc). But does it matter that much ? I don't have experience, it'll be my first BMW actually.

I don't know much about those engines unfortunately, but the M30 went on to become the V12 by doubling the physical engines, and the M73 is one of the more reliable engines available in the 90s because of it's simplicity. I think either would be fine as long as you get a car that's been well maintained and hasn't been abused.

Nice! Those diesels refuse to die eh. Hopefully you can find a nice V12 to add to your collection!

Thanks!

I don't think I have the link for it, but I believe it came from BMW's media website, www.press.bmwgroup.com/

Nice! The Euro-spec'd models are definitely the best.

after I came to the U.S i found a big different in quality and options with the European models, its like they send the cheaper ones to the U.S.

I know we lost out on Active Cruise Control, automatic trunk, picnic tables and table trays for the rear seats, as well as some of the high security models. ACC is the one feature I really wish I had.

It definitely is, a lot more interest in these cars now-a-days.

Either way you slice it maintenance is key, and none of these cars are bulletproof.

Actually the non vanos M62 engine still can have the timing chain guides issue just doesn't get the clicking diesel sound from the vanos when the seals start to wear out. I've had a few M62 V8s with and without the vanos, two E32 740iL, two E38 740iL, and a E39 540i.

Thanks! We're hoping to be able to feature a 750iL on the Channel shortly, we love the V12s!

Very nice, hope it works out well for you! These are becoming harder to find, and prices for them keep going up at least here in Canada.

I'd love to drive an E32, it's been on my list to feature for a while now. I know what you mean about the current crop of available E38s, I was searching AutoTrader.ca last night and was pretty sad with the results. A lot of them are rough, and the ones that aren't are asking way too much.

@@PRNTestDrive Thanks for replying. If I buy an E38, I'll make a video reply to show you the condition of it, and maybe we can exchange tips on how to maintain it. I have a backup plan where basic parts like the ABS sensors on an E38 in Ontario can cost hundreds, but in my Home country of the UK they only cost about $20 bucks. I'm thinking of getting a box full of e38 preventative maintenance parts sent to me in Ontario from my family and friends in the UK so I can save on parts & shipping. I just hope the import taxes and HST dont hit me so hard. I used to deal in international Imports & Exports of commercial goods & vehicles in Europe and Asia, so hopefully I will be ok when shipping my E38 parts from the UK to Canada.

Glad you think so, thanks! We really love this video.

They aren’t necessarily unreliable, they just cost more to maintain and repairs can get pricey. If you’re doing the maintenance when required and having the car checked over regularly you shouldn’t have any major surprises.

Thanks! Maybe you'll be able to find one for your garage!

One of the best!

I've seen quite a few Euro-spec E38's with manuals! I know some people here go through the conversion process, in fact we're hoping to showcase some E38s and E31s from an Enthusiast here who's got a garage full of 7s.

I'm sure that had a ton of torque too, it was the 740d correct?

Yes. Guys here are boosting old diesels to 600-700 Nm of torque. Doesnt sound as good as the 735 or 740 V8s but they are surprisingly quick.

It's still our dream car too!

That's great to hear! Keep it if you can!

@@PRNTestDrive Trying to, but....kinda would like part of my garage back - I've got a 3-car, but tandem which was the part of garage I always used for my work bench / storage etc - - now had to move all that to one side and pulled my older 7 into the tandem but now my garage just got smaller - - UGH! LOL.

Sorry to hear about your last one, hopefully everyone was ok!

Merci!

+Rockn Rolla the ones in the back are definitely better though I don't trust them anymore than I trust my glove box handle (which broke a week after I replaced it with all new parts). The custom cup holder I bought last year was the best purchase I've made.

yeah, the lacking quality of the plastic is an issue, as you said in the video. interestingly, in my e38, every piece of crappy plastic was intact, but the little springs in the glovebox handle, the cupholder and in the little storage are in the armrest all broke. my plastic held. was that cupholder in a video? don´t know if i saw that.

The Alpina is certainly going to have more power and tech, that's for sure. I think that generation Alpina has almost as much power as the new M760Li.

Perpetual Radio Networks yea only issue is the n63 engine is known for its issues like going threw a shit ton of oil. The lawsuit is still going on in the USA because of this.

I never had any issue with mine, some people swear by them, others recommend replacing the fluids often.

Is that road tax and insurance monthly or yearly? In Ontario our yearly vehicle registration is around $145/yr I believe, and my insurance is around $1,400/yr with basic coverage, no coverage if my car is damaged or stolen.

It is montly here in the Netherlands. Here in the Netherlands we have one of the highest car taxes in Europe. And the insurance that I am talking about is the same as yours also basic coverage. so thats pretty mutch the same in Canada. But vehicle registration and gas prices are alot more exprensive over here. What do you pay for 1 liter of petrol in Ontario if I may ask?

I had no idea that you had a monthly road tax, but I suppose we have the same thing, they just bundle it with the price of fuel, so every time we fill up theres like $0.15/L that goes to some bogus tax along with the regular taxes on purchases.

In the Netherlands we have 21% on every product that you buy. So If you spent 1euro. 21 cents is tax. And we have taxes on what the goverment calls harmfull products like tobacco alcohol and fuel. So if you pay 1,50 euro for 1 liter of petrol 1,10 is pure tax. And also brand new cars are way more expensive here than in others european country's. I just looked up and compared with other European country's a brand new BMW 330i manuel costs 40.350 in Germany and here we pay 49.250 for the exact same car. A brand new Cadillac Escalade costs 188.000 euros in Holland. and in Germany 98.000. Thats why American made cars dont sell here in the Netherlands and people will just buy a Mercedes or Audi because its about 50k cheaper and more luxurious. And is the reason that you wont see a 15 to 20 year old Mercedes S class or 7 series. They are dirt cheap over here because nobody wants them because they are to expensive to keep running with all the crazy taxes. Almost everybody drives small cars with small engines. the best sold cars here are small vehicles like the VW Polo/Golf. a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder is considerd a big engine over here.

Just to put MPG in to perspective the US gallon is smaller than the UK gallon. The US = 3.7Ltrs but a UK gallon is 4.55 Ltrs

The classic stuff is always going to be the best for us too. Sure it'll never be as fast as the latest BMWs, not have the same level of luxury or tech, but these vehicles are still some of the best ever made.

Could be the catalytic converters. We had issues with ours, where they got clogged up on both sides, but one was worse than the other. It would run fine under low load, but if we revved past 5,500rpm we'd get multiple misfires and huge problems. We had them cleaned out and replaced 1 of the 4 and it worked great after, no misfire issues since!

That's the main concern with any of these older luxury cars, they're beautiful when they work but they do require constant care.

The gas tank is ultimately what killed my 7 Series.

That's what I'm always telling people when they ask about the E38! The V12s seem to be pretty bullet proof engine wise, and aren't any more complicated than the V8s in terms of electronics. We're hoping to get behind the wheel of an E38 V12 this weekend, if so we'll be able to get a lot of good content filmed for the show.

PRN My dad had 750 last year and he sold it. He says every week that he shouldn't sold it because it was so great.

Can't sell em! Gotta hold on to those cars if you can. I think we're going to start seeing price increases for thee older V12s.

We agree!

We went over all the important things to look for in this video. I’d be cautious of an engine replacement.

Hey there, it's possible the heater core might have failed. We haven't had to do any work like that on ours, but I recommend checking out e38.org/ for info about doing the heater core repair on your own, or one of the BMW forums like bimmerforums.com or the E38 Empire Facebook group. Lots of great resources out there with helpful DIYs! Hope it helps!

Definitely sounds like a transmission issue, however if it only happens once the car's warmed up I wonder if it's an engine issue. Unfortunately I don't have as much mechanical experience with these cars, but my suggestion would be to check out a forum like bimmerforums.com or bimmerfest.com and ask there. Those sites have a wealth of knowledge and a community that's very helpful when someone's got an issue. Hopefully they can help!

Unfortunately we don't have any experience with those to be able to say either way, but there are some great resources online like bimmerforums which have a lot of European members with those engines!

We think so too, the V12 seems to be less problematic, though will cost more in regular service.

Glad to hear it wasn't damaged by the hurricane!

It is a 97 740i imported from Japan, I believe with ACS side skirts and rear bumper. We'll be doing a Full Tour & Review video for this car in about a week and a half, we've got one car in the queue before it!

Sounds like a nice low mileage example! Always have these cars inspected by a trusted mechanic, though it's not a guarantee that nothing will go wrong. Low mileage cars might not have gotten all the service required so you might have some big ticket items to do in the near-future. If you can get the service history that's a big plus!

+V12 BRO subscribed! I'm hoping to be able to take a 750iL for a drive and see how it feels. Thanks for sending us the photos also, it helped make this video possible!

PRN glad I could help, this video is great!

checked out your channel, nice v12 you got there. a bit too loud for my taste but it sounds pretty awesome. btw what did your engine need for maintenance, like generally?

Rockn Rolla I purchased it with 188k miles and right now it is at 201k. I have dailied it since May of last year. I replaced spark plugs and a heater hose that broke, and also have new tires. That is really all the required maintenence I've preformed. As long as you have a solid example, they are decently reliable. Also, my car is a little loud, may quiet it down here in the future.

What did you have to do that cost $7k in maintenance?

Agreed that the TCG is overblown for the most part, it's something I discuss with people on a regular basis. I hope I didn't come off making it sound like its a bigger problem in the video, just wanted to point out that it is one of the things to look out for!

Well.. You did kinda make it sound like a huge deal haha, but atleast I know that it's not THAT bad, even though the internet experts claim otherwise.

It's probably best I didn't go with my 'German executive voice' roleplay I had originally recorded then :P That edit was much worse.